Tension as youths protest heavy security in Onitsha markets
Tension has gripped the commercial city of Onitsha as traders and youths protested the closure of Onitsha Market ordered by Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Fierce‑looking security operatives in armoured personnel carriers were stationed at the market entrances, while many traders watched from a distance. Soludo had vowed to shut the market for one week over traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit‑at‑home, warning that if they still failed to open next Monday, the closure could be extended to one month and the market even demolished. He stated that anyone unwilling to trade on Mondays should “leave Anambra and go elsewhere,” insisting the state cannot afford further economic losses. On Tuesday, residents were surprised to see heavy patrols by security operatives around the market area as youths trooped out, chanting solidarity songs for jailed IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. […]